23, Feb 2024
I resonated with Jinal’s honest and upfront demeanour: Nupur Nagpal on her character in Amazon miniTV’s Dillogical
Mumbai, 23 February 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released the romantic comedy series ‘Dillogical’. Offering a delightful blend of romance and comedy, it revolves around the lives of Saransh and Jinal, whose relationship takes an unexpected turn when Jinal embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As they navigate through the complexities of love and the advent of an open relationship, the series explores the dynamics and intricacies of human emotions, embracing the different shades of love. Dialogical boasts Anshuman Malhotra, Nupur Nagpal, Priyank Sharma, Chetan Dhawan, and Prasanna Bisht in key roles.

Delving into the depth of her character, Nupur Nagpal, who essays the role of an independent and outspoken girl, Jinal in the series, reflected on the similarities between herself and the character. She said, “I resonated with Jinal’s honest and upfront demeanor because I too like to approach most relationships like her. When I was growing up, I used to feel extremely protected. That’s why I always felt the urge to grow and find my wings. So, I could totally relate to Jinal’s desires. Just like her, I did not just want to do the things that were expected of me but also yearned for the freedom to figure out what I liked to do. It is very difficult for girls, even for the ones from metro cities, to have that freedom. So many times, they don’t even express their desires because of the fear of being judged, and that’s exactly what drew me to this character.”
Adding to this, she further spoke about the stark differences between Jinal and Saransh. “Jinal is really bad at science and maths. Since childhood, she has been dependent on Saransh. He used to work hard and help her get through the exams. On the other hand, Jinal has a creative mind; she is more into performing arts – that’s what her heart beats for. She is not a techie like Saransh,” shared Nupur.
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- By Rabindra
23, Feb 2024
Emirates to expand its South American network
India – 23 February 2024: Emirates today announced it will launch a new daily service from Dubai to the Colombian capital, Bogotá, starting 3 June.

As well as connecting Colombia with the United Arab Emirates, the new services will establish a historic first-ever link between the greater Middle East region and the northern part of the South American continent. Emirates’ entry into Bogotá will expand its South American network to four gateways, complementing its scheduled services to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. The latest destination will also enhance the airline’s operations in the Americas to now serve 19 points across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.
The daily services will link Dubai and Bogotá via Miami, with Emirates set to become the first airline to offer a host of premium services on the popular route between South Florida and Colombia.
Commenting on the launch of the new route and destination, Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said: “We’ve long wanted to serve Colombia, and the addition of Bogotá to our network is part of our strategy to deliver better connectivity, expand options and choice for travellers and provide unparalleled premium experiences on the ground and in the air. The launch of our daily operations to the dynamic capital of Colombia also underscores our deep commitment to South America and is poised to foster increased business and leisure travel opportunities for customers.
“There is a huge demand for travel to and from Bogotá and we can’t wait for customers to experience Emirates’ signature products and services on the flights between Bogotá and Dubai as well as between Bogotá and Miami. We would like to thank all the authorities involved for supporting our plans and making this new route possible. We look forward to adding value to the new communities served and building new partnerships to promote tourism and trade.”
The daily flights to Bogotá, South America’s second-largest city by population, will help cater to the strong and growing demand for air travel between Colombia and the United Arab Emirates as well as between Colombia and numerous destinations on Emirates’ global network beyond Dubai which are not served directly from Bogotá. It will also provide convenient flights between Bogotá and
Miami, allowing travellers to fly between the two cities in unprecedented style and comfort. Due to the high altitude of the city of Bogotá, it is not possible to operate a non-stop flight from Dubai, deeming a stopover necessary. Miami was selected due to its tourism and trade links with Bogotá. Passengers on flights in both directions between Dubai and Bogotá should meet entry regulations
for the United States and hold the required documents, due to immigration procedures in Miami. Colombian and UAE citizens can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days in Dubai and Bogotárespectively, thanks to reciprocal visa arrangements in place between both countries.
BUSINESS DOCUMENT This document is intended for business use and should be distributed to intended recipients only. Tickets to Bogotá go on sale today for flights starting 3 June and can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via travel agents.
Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will offer 354 seats across three cabins and will raise the bar for premium services on the Bogotá – Miami route. Lie-flat seats in First Class and Business Class, complimentary food and beverage, and a generous free baggage allowance (conditions apply) are amongst the firsts that Emirates will introduce on the direct services connecting Colombia and the
U.S. Emirates’ customers can also sit back and relax with complimentary access to more than 6,500 channels of carefully curated global entertainment content, including in Spanish, featuring movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks and more with ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.
The new Boeing 777-300ER services will also offer up to 20 tonnes tonnes of capacity for cargo on each flight, opening up access to more global markets for Colombian exports such as fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables and other perishable goods.
Celebrating the launch of Emirates’ services to Colombia, His Excellency Germán Umaña Mendoza, Colombia’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism said: “The launch of the new route between Bogotá and Dubai marks a major milestone in expanding the connectivity of our country, allowing BUSINESS DOCUMENT This document is intended for business use and should be distributed to intended recipients only. us to strengthen trade, investment and tourism. As part of the government of President Gustavo
Petro, our goal is to guarantee opportunities for the development and prosperity of communities in all of our territories and, in doing so, we remain committed to providing the framework to support foreign investment.”On the new route launch, His Excellency Sergio París Mendoza, Director General, Aerocivil Colombia said: “In the realm of international relations, Colombia forges pathways to new realms of collaboration and understanding. Today, we rejoice in the inauguration of an air link with the vibrant city of Dubai, marking not only a connection between destinations but also symbolizing our nation’s steadfast commitment to global integration. The Arab nations bear witness to a thriving and diverse Colombia, poised to cultivate bonds of friendship and prosperity transcending geographical boundaries. At this pivotal moment, we reaffirm our dedication to collaborating closely with our Arab counterparts towards mutual development and peace. May this new air route via Emirates Airline herald the commencement of a journey abundant in opportunities and shared successes. May each journey between our nations serve as a beacon of cooperation, dialogue, and empathy. May the bond between Colombia and the Arab countries endure eternally, flourishing in prosperity.”
“Airlift expansion is crucial to increasing visitation and the economic impact tourism has on the state of Florida,” said Visit Florida President and CEO, Dana Young. “We are thrilled that Emirates will now connect its daily Dubai to Miami flight with Bogotá offering additional opportunities for us to welcome Colombian travelers to the Sunshine State.”
Bogotá’s status as a major centre for tourism, education and culture has earned it its nickname of the “Athens of South America.” It is also a thriving hub for finance, boasts a large presence of multinational companies, and has become a MICE destination due to its appeal as a central location in the Americas. While Dubai is expected to be the final destination for the majority of travellers on the Bogotá- Dubai route, other top destinations for travellers include mainland China and Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Johannesburg, Cairo and Delhi. The Bogotá-Dubai flights are conveniently timed to provide seamless connectivity if travelling onwards from Dubai.
Emirates’ flights will also facilitate convenient inbound connections to Bogotá through Dubai from 78 destinations in its extensive network and generate new passenger flows to Bogotá from high-growth markets such as the UAE, India, China, the wider Middle East, Far East, and Australasia. Whether traveling to or through Dubai, travelers can enjoy sun-soaked beaches, heritage activities, world-class hospitality and leisure facilities, and a variety of world-class experiences.
23, Feb 2024
Women shouldn’t shy away from seeking support; it’s impossible to do everything alone, says ISRO Deputy Director Nandini Harinath at Ideas of India Summit 3.0
Mumbai, February 23, 2024: In a key session at Ideas of India Summit 3.0, women achievers gained central focus. “Growing up with techno-bureaucrat and mathematician parents, education was ingrained as a priority in my life from the start. My father had a remarkable talent for explaining the physics of everyday occurrences, which instilled in me a deep curiosity and appreciation for the world around me,” said Nandini Harinath, Deputy Director, Spacecraft Operations Area, ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network, ISRO, sharing her experience of growing up the ranks from Junior Engineer at ISRO to leading major space missions such as Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan-2
On the inaugural day of ABP Network’s flagship event, the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0, leading women intellectuals and achievers in STEM fields joined together to explore the theme ‘Women in STEM: Working in the Trenches, Reaching for the Stars’, shedding light on how women defy all challenges experienced in the modern-day workforce and their road to success.

Nandini Harinath also shared the importance of family support, teamwork, and personal well-being. “Juggling the demands of family and a career in the space industry has often felt like navigating an obstacle course. However, I firmly believe in the power of teamwork. Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of seeking support from those around me. No accomplishment is achieved in isolation, and leaning on my family and society for assistance has been crucial during times of need”, she added.
Nandini Harinath has been an indispensable asset to ISRO, with her dedication and expertise in space science. Explaining the future of India’s space exploration efforts, she said, “With the emergence of private players in the sector, the possibilities are endless. I envision India taking a leading role in space travel, not only for scientific advancement but also for the profound impact it could have on shaping our future as a society.”
Discussing her journey and the rise of women scientists at ISRO, Dr. Nigar Shaji, Project Director, Aditya L-1 Mission, ISRO, said, “Since school, I have believed in pursuing the uncommon path. My parents, particularly my father, a math graduate turned agricultural specialist, encouraged me. At ISRO, there is no glass ceiling, passion is supported. For women, balancing work, family, and personal life is essential, with health as a priority. As far as the space industry in concerned, the Aditya mission is crucial for understanding the sun and space weather, ensuring Earth’s protection. Leading the world in the space industry should be our aim. Visibility for women in STEM is vital; education must be engaging and inclusive from the grassroots.”
Elaborating on the vital role played by women in STEM to break the glass ceiling and drive India’s growth, Prof. (Dr.) Annapurni Subramaniam, FASc., FNASc., Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, said, “It is important to be happy with yourself, as a woman we have multiple roles to play and one cannot bend to all requirements, there has to be a distinction. As such, there is limited conversation about women’s health. It is important to create a framework at home, where support can be asked from the family and traditional roles can be given a pushback. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics observatory in Kodaikanal is celebrating its 125 years, which is capturing the Sun’s data. We have a night-time observatory in Ladakh, 2500 meters above sea level. Our capabilities in astronomy are well established, thus India is being looked at as a support and resource in important missions for ground-based and space-based. India is also a major partner in two important projects in gravitational wave direction- LIGO, and Square Kilometer Array to look at the universe at very early stages.”
The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.
23, Feb 2024
Toyota Innova HyCross Surpasses 50,000 sales Milestone
Bangalore, 23 February 2024: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), today, announced that cumulative sales of its popular model Innova HyCross have clocked sales of over 50,000 units since its launch in November 2022.

Based on the latest Toyota Global Architecture (TNGA) the versatile Innova HyCross is a vehicle for every occasion owing to its glamor quotient, advanced technology, comfort along with safety and thrill to drive. Boasts of several first-in-segment features including Paddle shift, Powered Ottoman 2nd row seats, Front Ventilated seats, Air conditioner (Dual zone – front and rear zone), Rear Retractable Sunshade, Electrochromic Inner Rear View Mirror (EC IRVM), Power Back Door and Dual Function Daytime Running Light (DRL).
The Innova HyCross is powered by 5th Generation Self-Charging Strong Hybrid Electric System with TNGA 2.0 Litre 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a monocoque frame with an e-drive sequential shift delivering a max power output of 137 kW (186 PS), providing rapid acceleration and best in segment fuel economy. The vehicle also comes with the option of a TNGA 2.0 Litre 4-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a direct shift CVT in select grades delivering an output of 129 kW (174 PS).
Being a Self-Charging Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV), the Innova HyCross is capable of running 40% of the distance and 60% of the time in electric (EV) or zero-emission mode.
Commenting on the success, Mr. Sabari Manohar, VP of sales and marketing, at Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We are thrilled that the Innova Hycross has achieved 50,000 units sales milestone within a short span of fourteen months from launch. We are extremely thankful for the response and confidence entrusted by our customers in this product. Innova HyCross was a success right from the day of its launch and the product has seen strong customer acceptance from our target audience. With its launch, The Innova Hycross has revolutionized the idea of comfort, convenience, performance, and safety within the MUV segment. Moreover, we are immensely proud of Innova Hycross for carrying forward the cult legacy of the Innova brand and are confident that the HyCross will continue to garner affection from customers and will consistently redefine the mobility experience through its exceptional performance.
Looking ahead into 2024 and beyond, we look forward to delighting many more customers with our best-in-class products and services in the years to come that will steer us closer to our ultimate goal of delivering ‘Mass Happiness to All.”
The success of the product can also be attributed to the awesome and class-leading service benefits including warranty. The Innova HyCross offers the renowned Toyota experience through a warranty of 3 years/100,000 kilometers and an option of extended warranty of up to 5 years/220,000 kilometers, 5-years free roadside assistance, attractive financial schemes, and 8 yrs/160,000 kilometers warranty on the Hybrid battery. In addition, the company also recently launched an industry-first “Awesome New Car Delivery Solution” that extends vehicle logistic services till delivery touchpoints by eliminating possible drive down of new cars by the dealer staff to the delivery location. As an industry first, the new initiative will enable Toyota dealers to transport new vehicles from dealer stockyards to their sales outlets on a flatbed truck.
23, Feb 2024
Tata Motors Empowers Women to bring about a Socioeconomic Change
National, February 23, 2024 – In a transformative journey unfolding in the rural heartland of India, women are intricately weaving threads of change to attain economic independence. Tata Motors Samaj Vikas Kendra (SVK) has helped these women master the craft of ‘Chikankari’ and organise themselves into groups to run a successful business venture basis this skill. The project has had an enduring impact on other women leading to active engagement of more than 150 women to form SHGs and actively engage in credit and thrift activities thus mobilising over the past 16 years.

Tata Motors SVK began work on this project in 2007 wherein they worked on a two-prong strategy, to revive the handicraft also linking it to the social economic development of women. SVK established a dedicated training centre for women from 15 villages in and around, to equip them with the required skillset and apprise them of the market trends. In 2011, the scope of the SHG Federation programme was enhanced to include newer skills like the production of jute bags, candles, herbal Gulal, cloth bags, artificial jewellery, etc.
Tata Motors also helped these women leverage various women’s welfare schemes run by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to enhance their skills and tap into opportunities to generate income. Now these women are serving as harbingers of change wherein they have not just attained financial freedom but fostered a social change breaking down societal barriers thus paving the way for gender equality.
Mr. Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head at Tata Motors, stated, “SHG Federation is a 360-degree programme wherein we help women join hands to develop their enterprise as a group to attain financial freedom which in turn helps them uplift their socioeconomic status. It is believed that gender equality and empowerment of women are key to the success of the Millennium Development Goals. The success of the programme showcases our determination and commitment to pave the way for an equitable society.”
23, Feb 2024
Valley Insurance Agency Alliance Names New Alliance Coordinator
David Drda previously worked as an Account Manager for sister company Powers Insurance & Risk Management.
(St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 23, 2024) David Drda was recently hired as an Alliance Coordinator for Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. His responsibilities include generating a systematic approach to information gathering, analysis, and problem solving. Drda will also assist alliance member agencies with system processing and carrier code updates.

Drda brings 12 years of insurance industry experience to the alliance. Prior to joining VIAA, Drda served as an Account Manager for sister company Powers Insurance & Risk Management where he helped clients with policy services. He previously worked at various Illinois insurance agencies in numerous capacities. Drda earned his Associate of Arts degree and Associate of Science degree in Business Management from Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Ill.
“We moved David from Powers to VIAA based upon his strong detail-oriented skill set,” said Valley Insurance Agency Alliance’s co-founder Henry Powers. “Our alliance continues to grow its membership, and David is the ideal candidate to work with onboarding new agencies to ensure efficiency and profitability.”
Founded in 2006, Valley Insurance Agency Alliance generates more than $600 million in written premium and is the regional founding member SIAA – The Agent Alliance, a $12.5 billion national insurance network. Founded in 1991, sister company Powers Insurance & Risk Management provides personal and business insurance, surety, risk management, and employee benefits. The companies are headquartered at 6825 Clayton Ave. For more information, call (314) 725-1414 or visit www.viaa4u.com.
22, Feb 2024
ArohanPrivilege is now available to all eligible customers in India
Arohan Financial Services Limited, a leading NBFC-MFI, regulated by the Reserve Bank of India is now extending its first-in-the-industry digital microfinance service, ‘ArohanPrivilege,’ to all eligible microfinance customers across the country. Headquartered in Kolkata, Arohan operates from 18 states and is soon to expand its operations in southern parts of India.
In FY 2023, Arohan steered the launch of ArohanPrivilege, the Indian microfinance industry’s first-in-the-kind digital loan sourcing facility. This unique initiative is specific to gold-standard customers where they are offered the facility of receiving and serving their loans through 100% digital and cashless means, in a matter of minutes, and through Arohan’s proprietary apnaArohan app – all from the comfort of their homes.
ArohanPrivilege customers are offered special benefits and loans with low interest rates and loan processing fees. Customer can apply for loans from the comfort of their homes, without any group formation and center meetings. They are also provided with the flexibility to choose a loan amount and repayment frequency that is suitable for them – and all of this within minutes of a successful loan application.
Commenting on the expansion of this service, Ms Reema Mukherjee, Head of Digital Growth, Arohan Financial Services Limited said, “We are excited to announce the expansion of our first-in-the-industry digital lending facility for eligible customers nationwide, highlighting our commitment to fostering financial inclusion in India. We respect our customers’ time and the trust they have in us – ArohanPrivilege empowers Customers to save both time and money.”
22, Feb 2024
Marut Drones and PJTSAU’s Revolutionary Direct Seeding Device Receives World’s First Utility Patent
February 22, 2024 – Hyderabad, India: Marut Drones, India’s leading drone manufacturer, has been granted the world’s first utility patent for a term of 20 years starting from November 29, 2021, under the provisions of the Patents Act, 1970. This patent recognizes Marut’s direct seeding drone, developed in collaboration with Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), which incorporates a multi-nozzle aerial seed dispensing device. With this patent, Marut Drones endeavors to facilitate the widespread adoption of direct seeding drones for rice cultivation at the grassroots level.

Marut’s seeding drones have obtained the patent following scientific validation by PJTSAU, which has also released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their use. This validation underscores the reliability and efficacy of the technology in enhancing rice production.
The patented system enables the aerial dispersion of diverse rice seeds through a meticulously designed multi-nozzle mechanism, optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of seed-sowing processes. Marut has adhered to standard operating procedures for seeding, ensuring precise parameters such as drone speed, swath width, nozzle type and pressure, spray volume, spraying altitude, and droplet size in Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) using drones.
Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder of Marut Drones, emphasized, “This patented technology will revolutionize rice farming practices in India. By reducing on-farm manual labor through drone technology, we aim to address the persistent challenges faced by farmers, particularly labor shortages due to rapid urbanization. From seeding paddy to controlling mosquitoes and pests in rice fields, labor costs pose significant hurdles. Through our collaboration with PJTSAU, we seek to promote the widespread adoption of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) through drones, fostering a more economically viable and sustainable rice cultivation ecosystem.”
Marut’s direct seeding drone is a multi-utility attachment, enabling farmers to utilize drones not only for pesticide application/spraying but also for direct seeding, thereby accelerating Return on Investment (ROI). This multi-functionality allows the drone to be utilized around the year, justifying its name AG365.
By leveraging Marut Drones’ innovative DSR drones, farmers can achieve a remarkable 92% reduction in water usage, significantly accelerating ROI and profitability timelines from 3 years to just 1.5 years. The DSR drones are highly feasible under delayed monsoons, late release of canal water, or other contingency situations, addressing major challenges faced by rice farmers.
Traditional obstacles such as nursery time, transplantation, and skilled labor shortages are effectively mitigated, empowering farmers with enhanced operational efficiency and flexibility. With Marut’s DSR drones, farmers can sow up to 30 acres in a single day, requiring only 33,333 man-days to cover 500,000 acres compared to the 50 lakh man-days required for manual transplanting. Moreover, this technology minimizes operational exposure to harmful pesticides during pest outbreaks.
Through extensive trials conducted across 5 states, Marut Drones is poised to revolutionize rice farming practices nationwide. As India grapples with the impending dip of 2 million tons in rice production, creating disruptions in the global rice market, Marut Drones aims to seed 1 million hectares of land by 2030.
By fortifying food security efforts with its patented technology, Marut emerges as a frontrunner in innovation. The company’s comprehensive training programs targeting farmers, rural youth, students, and agricultural stakeholders will promote the adoption of direct seeding in rice cultivation using drone technology.
Marut’s patented technology not only opens avenues for rural employment but also encourages the establishment of Community Health Centers (CHCs) facilitated by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Women’s Self-Help Groups.
22, Feb 2024
Quantum Energy unveils 2 State-of-the-Art Showrooms in Samastipur and Madhubani
22 February 2024: Quantum Energy, a leading electric vehicle (EV) startup specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of electric scooters, has announced the inauguration of its 2 new showrooms in Bihar state with presence in Madhubani and Samastipur. These new additions will further expand Quantum Energy’s presence and accessibility to Indian customers.
The inauguration of the showrooms took place in the presence of esteemed dignitaries and senior officials from Quantum Energy. Madhubani dealership spans approximately 1250 square feet and operates under Mithila E Motors. The dealership in Samastipur spans approximately 1200 square feet and operates under the dealership name Battery Point. The showrooms are strategically positioned to provide a convenient hub for customers to explore Quantum Energy’s cutting-edge electric scooters and firsthand experience their advanced features.
At the Mithila E Motors and Battery Point showrooms, all Quantum Energy electric scooters are prominently displayed, allowing visitors to marvel at the impeccable design, impressive performance, and exceptional build quality of each vehicle. The diverse lineup of electric scooters includes the Plasma, Elektron, Milan, and Bziness range, catering to a wide range of commuting needs for Indian consumers.
Speaking about the launch, Mr. Chakravarthi C., Managing Director of Quantum Energy Limited, expressed, With the opening of our new store in Madhubani and Samastipur, we are excited to increase our presence in Bihar as saw an amazing response at Gaya showroom we launched 6 months ago.. It is quite promising that there is a rising interest in electric two-wheelers in the state. Numerous cutting-edge features of our Quantum Energy scooters strongly appeal to all market sectors. Our commitment to making our cutting-edge electric scooters more accessible to the public is fueled by the growing demand for environmentally friendly mobility options. We are currently trying to create more showrooms in Bihar to accommodate this demand and make our eco-friendly mobility products more easily accessible.
Quantum Energy has expanded its network of showrooms around India to an amazing 60 and 03in Bihar with the opening of the Madhubani and Samastipur showrooms. With the support of the prestigious Kusalava Group, which has over 50 years of experience in the automotive industry, Quantum Energy is committed to reducing carbon emissions, reducing its carbon footprint, and making India a leader in sustainable mobility worldwide.
